5 Primers and bases to solve all your streaky makeup dilemmas

Got oily skin that refuses to allow your foundation to hold? Try these makeup bases and primers to keep your makeup from sliding off by noon

Ever had one of those days where 1) the weather is stoking every pore on your body to ooze sweat as you walk out for lunch, and 2) by the time you're back in the office, a semblance of what's left of your makeup remains on your face, much to your dismay.

Instead of completely wiping off your hour-long efforts earlier that morning (and repeating the whole process shortly after), why not invest in a makeup primer or base that's able to give your skin a flawless canvas for a guaranteed makeup hold—no matter how balmy the weather gets?

A fan of the iconic Météorites glow-getting range by Guerlain? Brace yourselves for the new multi-coloured pearls that now come in a cushion compact form—inspired by the Korean makeup bag essential. The new Météorites Glow Pearls Cushion Colour corrects minor skin-tone flaws while giving a smooth finish to your features. All you need to do is lightly tap the puff on contours of your face to give your complexion an illuminated effect.

The latest addition to Dior's comprehensive runway-approved makeup collection Dior Backstage is the Face and Body Primer, a perfect base that is buildable and resistant to heat and humidity. The ultra-natural finish is boosted with mattifying powders, enhancing colour powders, plant-based glycerine and shea butter complex.

A handy tip on getting the best out of this new primer, as told by Dior Creative and Image director Peter Philips: "Apply it all over the face using circular massage movements to smooth features and prepare the skin for makeup. It can then be blended in; either all over the face or in touches, as needed."

We love it when makeup comes with skin-nourishing benefits, and Laura Mercier's Foundation Primer – Protect fits the bill perfectly. Its oil-free formula acts as a "buffer" for your skin, and is packed with UVA/UVB broad spectrum sunscreen and antioxidant vitamin complex to protect skin from environmental aggressors. Extra points go to its water-based and minimal-silicone formula—no more fretting over chalky, heavy primers that leave a cast on your skin.

In case you start greasing up by mid-day: YSL Beauty Top Secrets Instant Matte Pore Refiner

Oily skin a bane in your beauty books? Dab on YSL Beauty's ultra-light, oil-control primer that promises to combat the inevitable mid-day, T-zone shine while minimising the appearances of pores. The formula has salicylic acid to reduce sebum production so that it instantly mattifies your skin for foundation to glide on (and stay) effortlessly.